UM Study: Massage Makes for Happier Mothers, Healthier Babies

The University of Miami invited 149 women between their fifth and seventh months of pregnancy to one of its many research labs and split them into two groups. One group totally lucked out and got two complimentary massages every week. Massages in the name of science.

The other group was absolutely forbidden to receive massages during the pregnancy, which sounds like a total bummer.

The pampered mothers-to-be had fewer signs of depression, lower stress levels, less back pain, and overall fewer prenatal complications.

The massaged group also had a 75 percent lower rate of premature births and 80 percent lower incidence of low birth rate.